What is Washington Aerospace Scholars? WAS is a free educational program for high school juniors from across Washington State. WAS encourages students to consider careers in science, technology, engineering and math.

Phases of the WAS Program The program is divided into two components: PHASE ONE: distance learning via a NASA- designed, online curriculum PHASE TWO: a six-day Summer Residency hosted by The Museum of Flight

Phase One: Distance Learning From late-December through mid-May, scholars complete, 10 bi-weekly online lessons and a final project hosted on the WAS website. The lessons begin with the history of space flight and human exploration of space and continue to the future of space exploration, including our return the moon and human voyages to Mars.

Phase One: Distance Learning Each lesson has a mission which consists of reading chapters, writing an essay, solving a math problem, and designing graphics. Each mission takes 2-3 hours for the average participant to complete. Performance on the Phase One missions determines eligibility for Phase Two.

Example of a Graphic designed by Sarah P., Yakima Lesson #2: 21st Century CEV

Lesson #8: Robot Design Suction Foot Spider IV Expandable Drill Gripping clamp Communications Satellite Radio Antenna Solar Panel Sensor/ Camera designed by Andrew R.-M., Lakewood Example of a Graphic

After completing the ten lessons, scholars submit an essay and graphic on a space-related topic of their choice. Final Project

Phase Two: Summer Residency The top scoring scholars from Phase One are invited to participate in the six-day residency program hosted by The Museum of Flight in Seattle. During this residency experience, participants will work with professional engineers and scientists on the design of a human mission to Mars.

Thanks to the Washington Aerospace Scholars Foundation and many generous donors, the residency is provided free of charge to qualified participants. This not only includes the educational experience, but also lodging and meals. Phase Two: Summer Residency

Summer Residency Overview Mission Project Tours & Briefings Hands-On Engineering Challenges Enrichment Activities

Mission Project

Grey Team: Mission Integration This team is responsible for pulling together the overall mission. Coordination of all the teams is vital for the success of the mission. Grey Team Logo – Summer 2009, Week 4

 Mission Parameters  Overall Goals  Landing Site  Crew Selection  Budget  Space Law Grey Team areas of concern include:

Red Team: Getting There This team is responsible for planning and designing the interplanetary journey to Mars. Red Team Logo – Summer 2011, Week 1

Red Team areas of concern include:  Rationale and Risk Assessment  Lunar Prototyping of Systems  Spacecraft Design  Radiation Hazards  Microgravity Issues

White Team: Living There This team is responsible for designing the life support systems and living facilities on Mars.

White Team areas of concern include:  Habitat Design  Plant Growth  In-Situ Resource Utilization  Radiation and Climate Hazards  Crew Health  Communications

Blue Team: Working There This team is responsible for designing the experiments and research conducted on Mars. Blue Team Logo – Summer 2011, Week 4

Blue Team areas of concern include:  Exploration  Search for Life  Laboratories, Tools, and Space Suits  Rovers and Robots  Communications  Crew Work Schedules

Mission Project Presentation Each team delivers a formal presentation at the closing luncheon. Power Point slides and display boards support the presentations.

Tour Destinations The Boeing Company Everett Factory University of Washington College of Engineering Laboratories Aerojet Redmond Laboratories

Briefings Experts in the fields of science, engineering, aeronautics, astronautics and robotics, share their expertise with participants. Laura Hopkins, Executive Director Aerospace Joint Apprenticeship Committee Summer 2011

Hands-On Engineering Challenges In the evenings, teams compete with one another to design the most effective rockets, landers, robotic rovers, and payload lofting system.

Engineering Challenges Rocket Launch Lander Deployment Payload Lofting Rover Course

Teachers Participate in Both Phases Teachers from across the state serve as online evaluators during Phase One and then attend a Summer Residency as a Academic Facilitator for a team.

Mentors & Assistant Mentors As Mentors, professional scientists and engineers share their expertise with each team. University students volunteer as Assistant Mentors and also support each team.

Follow-Up Commitment After the residencies, scholars are encouraged to: maintain contact with their WAS Mentors, teachers, and fellow scholars, help recruit new students to the program, maintain contact with WAS staff concerning their choice of college, choice of major, and post- baccalaureate plans.

Who can participate? WAS applicants must be: US citizens high school juniors Washington state residents have a GPA of 3.0 (those below 3.0 can apply for conditional acceptance) Participants must have internet access at home, school or a local library.

How to Apply To obtain an application, visit or contact Melissa Edwards, WAS Director at or

Timeline  Application Available: September 2011  Teacher Application Deadline: October 28, 2011  Student Application Deadline: November 4, 2011  Student Notification: Early December 2011  Phase One Lessons: Late December-May 2012  Phase Two Residencies: June and July 2012